Bob
Chassels

Although semi-retired, I am still willing and able to offer consulting
services.

My software experience ranges from Unix System Administration to developing
a specialized billing system and most things between.

As an engineer I have Installed and integrated aircraft simulators at
customer sites and worked with aircraft manufactures to develop wind sheer
models and effective responses. I designed and installed a VHF radio system on
a Canadian Forces training aircraft.

Although usually gainfully employed, I am available for contract work in the
Toronto area, or world wide - if required. I have a Canadian and a European
passport.

My registered engineering status (I.ENG - UK) has now expired. The good
news is that I did not lose my knowledge with that status:-).So I can still
offer a structured method to trouble-shooting and an appreciation of business
problems along with strong analytical problem solving ability.

Blog Subjects

My Links

Canadian Politics

Wow, we are in bad shape here in Canada.

Firstly, Quebec is playing a different game than the rest of the
country. Quebec is more concerned with sovereignty, identity, cultural
independence; while The Rest Of Canada (TROC) is concerned (in the most
part) with political ideology to drive, or drag, us forward. So, at
federal election time, Quebec with 25% of the country's population is
smothering the outcome of those Canadian elections. It is no wonder our
politics is in a mess. Well, we are still rated one of the best
countries to live in; not bad - Eh.

Self serving???

It is extremely frustrating to see our politicians consistently
looking out for their own good before the country's good.

There is a general frustration and growing distrust with our
politicians. I do not have a solution. When it is all said and done, we
vote these people into power. Sometime the choices are poor, but we
must expect more from our elected representatives. Keep hoping......

Traffic Cameras

At intersections.... no problem. Running a red light is
unquestionably a dangerous activity. It would be nice to "get" the
driver, but getting the car owner will not cause me much loss of sleep.
Although, there has been some suggestions that authorities are reducing
the amber time to catch drivers who use the amber light correctly.
Beware the tax grab...

On the Highway... On an open road with good visibility - assuming
the car and driver are capable -, then it is just a frustrating cash
grab. Certainly dangerous driving should be apprehended. Otherwise, let
the vehicles and occupants get to their destinations as quickly and
safely as possible.

Traffic Lights

Traffic lights that are sequenced according to public pressure
(several families pressuring a local politician) to divert traffic for
convenience - not for overall traffic flow. See Canadian politics about
self serving politicians.

Emergency Vehicles

Why do people get stupid when they see or hear a fire-truck or
ambulance with flashing lights and sirens? The law says we should pull
over to the side of the road and stop. So the law is stupid. People
hauling over and stopping while distracting lights/sounds are evident
must be the cause of many fender-benders. The law dates nearly 100
years when there were no dual-carriageway roads; so it made sense then.
Now, the law should simplified to "GET OUT OF THE WAY AND STAY OUT OF
THE WAY".

Surveillance

Thirty years ago, it was reported that satellites could read
newspapers over the shoulders of Moscowvites in Red Square. Ok, so they
were highly focused. What we need now are satellites that can monitor
everything - or at least in cities. So your car get stolen; Log on to
the website with the time and coordinates and watch the car being
moved..... We could rid the world of car thieves instantly. A child
goes missing from a playground... A bank, or store, gets robbed.... A
home invasion.... Terrorist attacks (unfortunately, after the event).We
can bypass the privacy issue by making all the data public domain;
Everybody has access to the data - not just governments. We may have to
redefine the word "Public" - but not much.

School Busses

I know our children are our future, and we have to protect them -
from themselves and others. So we have ridiculously strict rules around
school buses (Here in N. America anyway) whereby all traffic goes into
contortions around an active school buses. If the same children are
getting off public transport, or are playing at a roadside; then just
being a good, considerate driver will (and does) suffice. I know North
Americans cannot contemplate an alternative, and it would be political
suicide, but teaching children road safety from the earliest age and/or
having designated "crossing guardians" would help. Accidents will, and
do, happen. Often because of inattentive drivers. I suspect accidents
are CAUSED by other drivers screeching to a halt when they see a school
bus disembark.And, what about those same buses having to stop at
railway crossings??? In rural areas; Okay, it makes sense, but on
urbane areas with with controlled crossings!!! Anyway, all major
Railway lines and roads in urbane areas should have a bridge or
underpass.